George Westinghouse Memorial Bridge

Courtesy of James M. Owston

16 January 2006

Location:
North Versailles, PA 15137

Description:

The George Westinghouse Memorial Bridge, located in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, serves as a vital artery for U.S. Route 30, commonly known as the Lincoln Highway, as it traverses the Turtle Creek Valley near its convergence with the Monongahela River Valley to the east of Pittsburgh. This iconic bridge, constructed with reinforced concrete in an open-spandrel deck arch design, spans a total length of 1,598 feet (487 m), comprising five spans. Notably, its central span measures 460 feet (140 m) in length, with the deck towering 240 feet (73 m) above the valley floor, holding the distinction for a period as the world's longest concrete arch span structure.

The bridge, a testament to engineering prowess and architectural elegance, was completed at a cost of $1.75 million ($37.5 million in 2022 dollars) under the direction of design engineers Vernon R. Covell and George S. Richardson, with architectural input from Stanley Roush. Adding to its aesthetic appeal, the pylons adorning the bridge's ends showcase captivating Art Deco reliefs crafted by Frank Vittor.

The bridge's name pays homage to George Westinghouse, the visionary American entrepreneur and engineer. Adjacent to the bridge lies the historic Westinghouse Electric Corporation East Pittsburgh Works, now repurposed as an industrial park. As motorists traverse the span, they are treated to captivating views of notable landmarks such as the Edgar Thomson Steel Works (U.S. Steel Mon Valley Works) and the beloved Kennywood Park, enhancing the journey with glimpses of local history and industry.